Prism Patents (Class 362/620)
  • Patent number: 7458714
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of microstructures and at least a lamp-receiving portion. The bottom surface is opposite to the light output surface. The microstructures are formed on the light output surface and the bottom surface respectively. Each microstructure includes at least three side surfaces connected with each other, a transverse width of each side surface decreasing along a direction away from the base surface of the microstructure. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20080285309
    Abstract: A light guide plate has a light-receiving surface, a light-emitting surface, and a light-reflecting surface. Multiple first arc-shaped longitudinal structures are arranged on the light-receiving surface with their longitudinal directions being substantially parallel with each other. Multiple second arc-shaped longitudinal structures are arranged on the light-emitting surface with their longitudinal directions being substantially parallel with each other. The light-reflecting surface is shaped to form a plurality of prismatic structures, and a luminance-adjusting structure is formed on part of the light-reflecting surface near the point light source and interlaced with the prismatic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Chong-Yang FANG, Yu Chen TING, Chih Ming CHEN
  • Patent number: 7452118
    Abstract: Area light source 10 used for LCD device 1 includes light guide 12 and LED devices 18 and 19 disposed at a side portion of light guide 12. A light receiving portion at a side edge portion of light guide 12 is provided with prisms 24 and 25 of saw-tooth prism group 22. Apex angles of prisms 24 and 25 are set to be more acute up to the middle point of prisms 24 and 25 as prisms 24 and 25 are farther from LED devices 18 and 19, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7452119
    Abstract: A lighting device of the invention includes: a plurality of light sources; and an optical waveguide, wherein light emitted from the plurality of light sources is incident from a side of the optical waveguide and then emitted from one main plane of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a first inclined plane for reflecting light emitted from a first light source and then emitting the light from the one main plane, and a second inclined plane for reflecting light emitted from a second light source and then emitting the light from the one main plane at an exit angle different from the light emitted from the first light source, and wherein each of the light sources is independently driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Onishi, Katsumi Yamada, Yasutaka Masunaga
  • Patent number: 7452093
    Abstract: A prism sheet for emitting an incident light in an even distribution state of light quantity even in the case of using an irradiating light source such as a point light source having an emission of narrow band. A display device for deflecting and displaying the light from the light source evenly and efficiently without deteriorating the display quality by applying the prism sheet thereto. A prism sheet for deflecting and emitting a light introduced into a transparent substrate, with a prism formed on the substrate. The prism sheet includes: a circular prism having a plurality of annular grooves arrayed concentrically from a center axis; and a radial prism having a plurality of straight grooves arrayed radially from the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Nagao
  • Publication number: 20080278818
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a diffusion layer, and a lamp-receiving portion. The bottom surface is opposite to the light output surface. The diffusion layer is formed on the light output surface. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
  • Patent number: 7448788
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate and a light source. The light guide plate includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle portion between the first and second end portions, a top face extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, a bottom face extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, a light entrance face interconnecting the top and bottom faces at the first end portion, and a plurality of prismatic strips formed on the bottom face. The prismatic strips have a lower density at the first end portion as compared to the middle portion. The density is defined as a total length of the prismatic strips per unit area of the bottom face. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light entrance face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Hsiang Chen, Chia-Tsao Wu, Der-Woei Hsaio, Ping-Feng Hwang
  • Patent number: 7448787
    Abstract: Provided is a prism sheet including a substrate transmitting incident light and having at least one groove inwardly formed in a surface of the substrate. A refractive member is provided in the groove and has a relatively higher refractive index than a refractive index of the substrate. A prism is arranged to face the refractive member, refract and transmit incident light, and has a relatively lower refractive index than the refractive index of the refractive member. A backlight unit is provided that includes at least one light source emitting light, along with a light guide panel that guides a procession of light emitted from the light source. The prism sheet includes at least one groove inwardly formed in a surface of the light guide panel. A refractive member is provided in the groove and a prism is arranged to face the refractive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-hwan Kim, Hwan-young Choi
  • Patent number: 7448776
    Abstract: A brightness enhancement film includes a substrate and a plurality of curved prism units. The curved prism units are extended in parallel and mounted to a surface of the substrate. Each of the curved prism units includes at least one meandering surface to provide with changes in curvature. Thus, the meandering surface of the curved prism unit is able to refract incident light in two dimensions with respect to the substrate that may enhance entire refractive efficiency in two dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Efun Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Tang
  • Publication number: 20080273352
    Abstract: A protecting sheet 112 having a transparent rubber-like resin 113 formed on a transparent board 114 is interposed between a light emitting plane 123 of a light guiding plate 111 and a surface, at which prisms 116 are formed, of a prism sheet 115 in such a manner that the transparent rubber-like resin 113 is brought into contact with vertexes of the prisms 116. The transparent rubber-like resin 113 holds the prism sheet without any deformation without any application of external force, thus preventing any occurrence of an optical close contact between the prism sheet 115 and the protecting sheet 112. In contrast, the transparent rubber-like resin 113 is deformed with the application of the external force, thus preventing any breakage of the prism 116.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ueno, Koichi Takemura, Isao Makuta, Masayuki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7446938
    Abstract: A light pipe is obtained by laminating on one or both surfaces of a light-transmitting resin plate a polarized-light scattering plate having fine birefringent domains dispersed therein and hence showing anisotropy in scattering. The polarized-light scattering plate comprises a transparent film having fine domains dispersed therein comprising a liquid crystal polymer which exhibits nematic at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature of the polymer constituting matrix of the transparent film and has a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or higher. The light pipe as a laminate may further comprise a specular reflection layer, a polarization-retaining lens and a light diffusion layer laminated thereon. The light pipe may further comprise a light source mounted at least on one side face thereof to provide a planar polarized-light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Miyatake, Takafumi Sakuramoto
  • Publication number: 20080259644
    Abstract: A plurality of convex strip portions are formed on a front surface (or a back surface) of a light guiding plate, extending in a direction from a light incidence plane to an opposite side surface. A concave portion is formed on a side surface of each convex strip portion. An inner wall of the concave portion is formed from at least two flat planes inclined with respect to three axial directions orthogonal to each other (X, Y and Z axial directions), respectively. Thereby, damage to the surface illuminant equipment such as a light guiding plate due to the interference between a back surface and units disposed on the back surface of the light guiding plate is prevented, while preventing a linear part with relatively low luminance from being viewed from the front surface of the light guiding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ohmori
  • Publication number: 20080252817
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (2) includes a liquid crystal panel (29); a backlight module (20) providing light beams to the liquid crystal panel. The backlight module includes a light guide plate (23) having at least one light incident surface (231), and a light emitting surface (232) adjoining the at least one light incident surface; at least one light source (21) disposed adjacent to the at least one light incident surface; a prism sheet (25) disposed at the light emitting surface for converging light beams; and a first diffuser (26) disposed at the prism sheet for scattering the light beams therethrough. A haze ratio of the first diffuser changes according to the brightness differentia over a brightness distribution of the prism sheet for attaining a substantially uniform surface light beams output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Li-Chun Chang, Chien-Chung Fang, Chun-Yun Pan, Xiao-Hong Jing
  • Patent number: 7434976
    Abstract: A double-side LCD having a surface light source device including a light guide plate and a light source facing one end face of the light guide plate. A plurality of deflection patterns are formed in a surface facing a light outgoing plane of the light guide plate, the deflection pattern includes an inclined plane facing the light source side and a re-incident plane substantially perpendicular to the light outgoing plane. Light from the light source is reflected by the inclined plane and outputted from the light outgoing plane to the LCD. A tilt angle (?) of the inclined plane satisfies: 45°?[Sin?1(Sin ?/n)]/2???45°+[Sin?1(Sin ?/n)]/2, wherein ? is an angle between a direction of peak brightness of outputted light and a direction perpendicular to the light outgoing plane, n is a refractive index of the light guide plate, and ? is within 6-15°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sakurai, Makoto Ohhira, Gouo Kurata, Akihiro Funamoto, Shigeru Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7434975
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device 700 has a liquid crystal panel 701 and a backlight module 70 under the liquid crystal panel for providing light beams to the liquid crystal panel. The backlight module includes at least one light source 720, and a light guide plate 711. The light guide plate has an incident surface 710 for receiving light beams from the at least one light source, an emitting surface 712 adjacent the incident surface, and a bottom surface 713 opposite to the emitting surface, at least one brightness enhancing pattern being provided at the bottom surface. The at least one brightness enhancing pattern has a plurality of brightness enhancing element 714, each of which is an arcuate and generally subtending the at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Lin, Brian (Xi-Yu) Guo, Chiu-Lien Yang, Chia-Lung Lin, Jia-Pang Pang
  • Patent number: 7431491
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light input surface and a light output surface adjoining the light input surface. The light output surface defines a first portion adjacent to the light input surface, a second portion connected with the first portion away from the light input surface. The light guide plate further includes a plurality of prism lenses arranged on the second portion, each prism lens extending along a direction perpendicular to the light input surface, and a plurality of tetrahedral lenses arranged on the first portion of the light output surface, each tetrahedral lens having a side surface located at an imaginary boundary line perpendicularly to the light output surface. A relative height of each tetrahedral lens progressively increases with increasing distance from the light input surface. The present light guide plate and a backlight module using the same can efficiently decrease interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yi Liao
  • Patent number: 7431493
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a lamp assembly, a light guiding plate, and liquid crystal display panel assembly. The light guiding plate includes a light input face for receiving light from the lamp assembly, a light reflection face with at least one brightness enhancement recess, a light output face opposite the light reflection face for emitting light towards the liquid crystal display panel assembly, and a plurality of side faces. The at least one brightness enhancement recess reflects toward the light output face light from the light input face and light reflected by the side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hea-Chun Lee
  • Publication number: 20080239756
    Abstract: A backlight assembly of an LCD is provided. The backlight assembly includes a lamp for generating a light, a light guide plate disposed at a side of the lamp, for guiding the light, and a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet disposed on the light guide plate, for enhancing efficiency of the light outputted from the light guide plate, wherein the prism sheet comprises a body part and a plurality of protrusion parts each having a concavely inclined surface formed on the body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yun Ho Choi, Chang Jong Kim, Young Gun Kim, Sang Gon Lee, Ung Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20080232137
    Abstract: A light guide plate has an incidence face provided by a side end face, emission face and back face. The incidence face has first and second end edges meeting the emission face and the back face respectively. First range N1 in the emission face is set as to correspond to a reflecting-cover which returns at least a part of light emitted from first range N1 into the light guide plate. The reflecting-cover is disposed along the first end edge, covering a part of the emission face. Most of the returned light is emitted from second range N2, becoming illumination light. First range N1 has emission function weaker than that of second range N2, thereby avoiding the emission from showing abnormal emission in the vicinity of the first end edge. The reflecting-cover may be provided by an end edge portion of a lamp reflector for a primary light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Fukuda, Fuminori Hiraishi
  • Publication number: 20080225554
    Abstract: A back light module includes a light guide plate, a light emitting unit, and a prism sheet. The light guide plate has a bottom surface, a light output surface opposite to the bottom surface, a light incident surface connected to the bottom surface and the light output surface, and multiple cambered diffusion portions on the light output surface. The cambered diffusion portions are paralleled to one another. Each cambered diffusion portion has a cambered surface. The light emitting unit is disposed near the light incident surface. The prism sheet is disposed over the cambered diffusion portions and has multiple linear prisms protruding toward the light guide plate. The linear prisms are paralleled to one another. The stretching direction of the linear prisms is substantially perpendicular to that of the cambered diffusion portions. Backlight uniformity can be improved and the viewing angle of the backlight system also increases in specific direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: WINTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Ting, Kuo-Jui Huang
  • Publication number: 20080225555
    Abstract: A light guide plate for uniformly emitting light from an entire face using light taken in through an end face, includes: a parent prism formed on a face opposing to a light emitting face of the light guide plate; and a child prism formed on an inclined face of the parent prism on the end face side of the light guide plate; wherein the parent prism and the child prism convert the advancing direction of the light taken in through the end face so that the light is emitted from the light emitting face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Ochiai, Hiromasa Suzuki, Michihiko Oowa
  • Publication number: 20080225530
    Abstract: An optical film and a display device having the same are disclosed. The display device comprises a display panel including a plurality of subpixels and an optical film disposed at one side of the display panel, the optical film includes a base film and a plurality of prisms, wherein a bias angle between a long axis direction of the subpixels and a longitudinal direction of the prisms is substantially 2 to 88 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hanbitt JOO, Kwangwon Lee
  • Publication number: 20080218658
    Abstract: A light source device capable of realizing a color display having the high light-use efficiency with a simple configuration is provided. Provided is a light source device including a prism sheet disposed to face a plane to be irradiated, and to bend an incident light to a direction substantially orthogonal to an incident direction; a light source section separately emitting a plurality of color lights having wavelength regions different from each other so that each of the color lights enters into the prism sheet at a small angle with respect to an extending direction of the prism sheet; and a light source drive means for driving the light source section so that each of the color lights periodically scans the plane to be irradiated so as to perform the line-sequential irradiation operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 7422357
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a first surface, a second surface, a plurality of encircling V-shaped protrusions and a lamp-receiving portion. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The encircling V-shaped protrusions are formed at the first surface and the second surface separately. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in one of the first surface and the second surface. A backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 7419292
    Abstract: An illuminating device includes a light source, an optical waveguide that emits light from the light source through an emission surface thereof, and a prism sheet that is provided on the emission surface side of the optical waveguide. In the illuminating device, the following relationship is established between a refractive index x of the prism sheet and an apex angle y of a prism: y=107.86x?140.43+M (?4?M?4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunori Onishi
  • Patent number: 7410287
    Abstract: A backlight device (100) includes a light guide plate (110), a light source (130) arranged at a side face of the light guide plate, a lamp cover (140) surrounding the light source, a light reflection plate (120) arranged below the light guide plate, a light diffusion plate (150) arranged over the light guide plate, and a brightness enhancement plate (160) arranged over the light diffusion plate. The light diffusion plate has a first optical film (151) and a plurality of first bumps (152) formed thereon and extending outwardly and toward the light guide plate. The brightness enhancement plate has a second optical film (161) and a plurality of second bumps (162) formed thereon and extending outwardly and away from the light diffusion structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7411732
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide disposed on one side of the light source, a reflector disposed under the light guide, a lower diffuser disposed on the light guide, and a brightness enhancement film, which is disposed on the lower diffuser and includes a main part and several prism structures disposed side by side on a main part plane of the main part. Each prism structure includes first to third triangular prisms. The second triangular prism is adjacent to one side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to a base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle. The third triangular prism is adjacent to another side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to another base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ko-Chia Kao, Chih-Kuang Chen, Jyh-Haur Huang
  • Publication number: 20080186739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide panel and a backlight module using the light guide panel. The light guide panel is disposed corresponding to a light source module of the backlight module. The light guide panel mainly comprises a plate, a plurality of microstructures and a plurality of protrusions. The plate is disposed close to the light source module and includes a microstructure surface. The microstructures and the protrusions are disposed on the microstructure surface, and the heights of the protrusions are greater than those of the microstructures, and a plurality of the microstructures are disposed between the adjacent protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Yen Chen, Han-Ping Kuo
  • Publication number: 20080186738
    Abstract: A polarized light guide plate (LGP), and a method of manufacturing the polarized LGP are provided. The polarized LGP includes: a light source; a first layer that guides light emitted from the light source; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a first emission unit having repetitive patterns extending in a first direction away from the light source; and a third layer formed of an optically anisotropic material and disposed on the second layer, having an emission surface through which light is emitted, and including a second emission unit disposed on the emission surface and having repetitive patterns arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-chan Kim, Seung-ho Nam, Seong-mo Hwang
  • Patent number: 7407317
    Abstract: A prism sheet capable of achieving an enhancement in light efficiency and viewing angle characteristics and a backlight unit using the prism sheet are disclosed. The prism sheet includes: a condensing film which transmits light incident to the condensing film; a plurality of prism crests on the condensing film having apexes; and a plurality of reflection patterns formed on the condensing film such that each of the reflection patterns faces a boundary of adjacent prism crests associated with the reflection pattern to reflect light incident onto the reflection patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man Hoan Lee, Jae Kyung Kang, Ji Su Yoon, Sung Keun Lee, Won Taek Moon
  • Patent number: 7401962
    Abstract: A surface light source apparatus includes a primary light source (1), an optical guide (3) for guiding light emitted from the primary light source and having a light incoming surface (31) and a light outgoing surface (32), a light deflection element (4) arranged adjacent to the light outgoing surface of the optical guide and having a light incoming surface (41) and a light outgoing surface (42), and a light diffusion element (6) arranged adjacent to the light outgoing surface of the light deflection element. The light incoming surface (41) of the light deflection element has a plurality of prism strings arranged substantially parallel to each other and each having two prism surfaces. At least one of the prism surfaces of these prism strings has a prism surface consisting of at least two planes having different inclination angles. As the plane approaches the light going surface, the inclination becomes larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Issei Chiba
  • Patent number: 7401963
    Abstract: A light assembly disperses light emitted by a light source. The lighting assembly includes a light entry surface for receiving the light emitted by the light source. A direction surface directs the light in a predetermined direction. A stepped region, disposed adjacent the light entry surface receives the light directed by the direction surface and reflects the light. The stepped region includes a plurality of step parts, each defining a light deflection surface, wherein each of the light deflection surfaces is greater in area s step distance between the light deflection surface and the direction surface increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Emil Stefanov, Andreas Erber, Otto Müller
  • Patent number: 7397605
    Abstract: An optic film has a surface on which a plurality of rib-like micro light guides is formed. Each light guide includes a plurality of ridges, which are of different height and shows variation of height. Either a high ridge or a low ridge of the light guide is made a continuous left-and-right wavy configuration and/or a continuous up-and-down height-variation configuration. Thus, light transmitting through the optic film and converged by the light guides leaves the optic film in a form that is not very regular so as to facilitate subsequent use of the light in for example a liquid crystal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Gamma Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chin Mai
  • Patent number: 7393131
    Abstract: A surface light source (4) includes a light guide plate (2) and a light source (5). The light guide plate has an incident surface (21) and an emitting surface (22). The light source is adjacent to the incident surface of the light guide plate for radiating light beams into the light guide plate through the incident surface. The emitting surface defines a large number of prisms (221), in which the distance (L) separating each two adjacent prisms changes according to an intensity of the light beams received from the light source. In particular, the pitch between two prisms decreases with increasing distance away from the light source. By the cooperation of the prisms and the light source, the surface light source has uniform illumination over the whole emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, Charles Leu, Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7393132
    Abstract: A backlight module (10) includes a flat cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) (30) having an output interface, and a light guiding plate (20). The output interface has a nano-material layer coated thereon. The light guiding plate includes an incidence interface (21), an emission interface (23), and a reflection interface (22), wherein the emission interface and the reflection interface respectively have nano-sized V-shaped grooves provided thereat. A pitch of the V-shaped grooves of the emission interface gradually increases from the incidence interface to a side of the light guiding plate distal from the incidence interface, and a pitch of the V-shaped grooves of the reflection interface gradually increases from the incidence interface to the side of the light guiding plate distal from the incidence interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Publication number: 20080151577
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light incident surface, a light emission surface intersects with the light incident surface, and a bottom surface opposite to the light emission surface. The light incident surface includes at least a first light receiving region and at least a second light receiving region. The first light receiving region has a distinctly different structure in comparison to the second light receiving region. One end of the first light receiving region communicates with the light emission surface, and the other end of the light receiving region communicates with the bottom surface. One end of the second light receiving region communicates with the light emission surface and, the other end of light receiving region communicates with the light emission surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: RUI-YONG LI
  • Publication number: 20080151578
    Abstract: Provided are a light guide plate realizing a high and uniformalized illumination brightness without reducing emission directivity, a surface light source device and an image display which employ the light guide plate. The light guide plate has an emission face provided with a great number of projection rows. Each projection row consists of a pair of slopes, a first slope (a slope far from an incidence end face) and a second slope (another slope near to the incidence end face). Angle ?a is defined as an inclination angle of the first slope with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to a frontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fuminori Hiraishi, Takahiro Aome
  • Publication number: 20080144335
    Abstract: An exemplary light guide plate configured for guiding light beams from a light source in order to uniformly illuminate a liquid crystal panel, includes an integrated transparent base plate having a bottom surface, and an light emitting top surface. A prism array is formed on the emitting surface, and a plurality of particles is evenly embedded in a layer in the middle of the light guide plate, the layer is in parallel with the bottom surface and the emitting surface. A backlight module including the light guide plate is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicants: HON FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHANG-CHUN LIU, XIAO-LIN GAN, YU-KUANG HO
  • Publication number: 20080144336
    Abstract: An optical deflector element has a light incoming surface (41) in which light enters and a light outgoing surface (42) located opposite the light incoming surface and from which light exits. In the light incoming surface (41) are arranged elongated prisms (41A) in parallel to each other. Each of the elongated prisms (41A) is formed by a top end flat face (46) located at the top end of the elongated prism and having an inclination angle (b) of 1 to 50 degrees, a first prism face (44) located at one side of the flat face, and a second prism face (45) at the other side. A light source device is formed by combining the optical deflector element, light guide and a primary light source. The light guide has a light incident face in which light emitted from the primary light source enters, and a light emitting face from which guided light exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Masae Ono, Makoto Ookawa
  • Patent number: 7387422
    Abstract: A light-guide plate includes an incident surface receiving light, an upper surface extended from a first side of the incident surface, a lower surface opposed to the upper surface and a plurality of first prisms protruding from the upper surface and spaced apart by a separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Gwang Won, Jeoung-Gwen Lee, Sung-Yong Kang, Jheen-Hyeok Park
  • Publication number: 20080137199
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer defines a plurality of V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer defines a plurality of spherical depressions at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the first transparent layer. A backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Shao-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20080137200
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer includes a plurality of conical frustum protrusions (211) at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer includes a plurality of spherical depressions (231) at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the first transparent layer. A direct type backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Shao-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20080137373
    Abstract: A light guide plate (200) includes a block body (210) and a plurality of first prisms (220). The block body (210) has a light input surface (211), a light output surface (212) adjoining the light input surface (211) and a bottom surface (213) opposite to the light output surface (212). The light input surface (211) includes a plurality of flat portions (216) and at least one inwardly curved portion (215). The first prisms (220) are arranged on the inwardly curved portion (215) of the light input surface (211) and extend from the bottom surface (213) of the block body (210) to the light output surface (212) of the block body (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: RUI-YONG LI
  • Publication number: 20080137374
    Abstract: There is provided a back light unit having a light guide buffer plate. The back light unit having a light guide buffer plate includes a light source for generating the light when a power source is applied; a light guide panel whose light-receiving vertical surface that the light emitted from the light source enters is provided with a first prism pattern and whose bottom surface is provided with a refraction pattern, thereby converting the incident light from the light-receiving vertical surface into a surface light source; a reflection unit disposed in a bottom surface of the light guide panel to reflect light toward the light guide panel; and a buffer disposed between the light source and the light guide panel and whose light-emitting vertical surface corresponding to the light-receiving vertical surface of the light guide panel is provided with a second prism pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Do Hun Kim, Myoung Soo Choi, Choul Ho Lee, Seog Ho Lim, Sung Min Yang
  • Publication number: 20080137197
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer defines a plurality of V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface thereof distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer has a plurality of conical frustum protrusions at an outer surface thereof distalmost from the first transparent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Shao-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20080137193
    Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The first transparent layer includes an outer surface (210) and a plurality of first conical frustum protrusions (211) protruding out from the outer surface. The second transparent layer includes an outer surface (230) and a plurality of second conical frustum protrusions (231) formed at the outer surface. The first transparent layer, the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 7384173
    Abstract: A brightness enhancement article for use in an optical system is disclosed. The brightness enhancement article has a structured surface including light directing protrusions. The light directing protrusions include a peak and a base, the peak having a rounded contour defined by a first pair of prism facets and the base defined by a second pair of prism facets. The first pair of prism facets has a first included angle and the second pair of prism facets has a second included angle, such that the first included angle is different than the second included angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Leland R. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7384178
    Abstract: An illumination device for a flat panel display may include a light-guiding member for guiding light from a light-emitting lamp, wherein the light-emitting lamp has a light-emitting device incorporated in a lamp body, wherein the lamp body has a reflection surface that reflects light from the light-emitting device and an emitting surface that is opposite to the reflection surface and irradiates the reflected light from the reflection surface toward the light-guiding member. In certain example embodiments, the emitting surface is formed into a shape along the irradiated surface of the light-guiding member and the reflection surface is formed to be curved such that the reflected light is made approximately parallel seen from one direction upon reflecting the light from the light-emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiro Sumida, Takeshi Masuda, Yuhsaku Ajichi
  • Publication number: 20080130318
    Abstract: A backlight unit (BLU) includes a Light Guide Panel (LGP) having an upper surface and a lower surface facing each other. The LGP waveguides light input into the inside of the LGP by means of internal reflection between the upper surface and the lower surface. A prism sheet, which is disposed on the LGP, concentrates and transmits light input from the LGP. The prism sheet includes first prism mountains, which are formed on the surface of the prism sheet and transmit and concentrate the light input from the LGP, and second prism mountains, which are formed on the surface of the prism sheet, to cross the first prism mountains and transmit and concentrate the light input from the LGP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Seong-Ha Park, Joong-Wan Park, Man-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20080130317
    Abstract: An edge-light type light guide plate (30) is provided that has a first surface (31) and a second surface (32) that are opposed to each other, and a peripheral edge surface extending between the peripheral edges of the first and second surfaces. A part of the peripheral edge surface is defined as a light entrance plane (30a). The first surface (31) has a series of parallel elongated raised surfaces (31a) of arcuate cross-section that extend in a direction substantially normal to the light entrance plane (30a). The second surface (32) has a series of parallel elongated recessed surfaces (32a) of triangular cross-section that extend in a direction substantially normal to the elongated raised surfaces (31a) on the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shimura, Daisaku Okuwaki